How Should the NWT Name Its Places and Communities?
Official title: Geographical and Community Place Names Policy Updates
The Northwest Territories is updating its policy on how geographical features and communities get their official names. This affects everything from lakes and rivers to towns and neighbourhoods. The government wants to hear from NWT residents before finalizing the changes.
Why This Matters
Place names carry cultural and historical meaning. For Indigenous communities, traditional names connect people to the land and their heritage. If you live in the NWT, this policy shapes how your community and the places around you are officially recognized.
What Could Change
The updated policy could change how new place names are proposed and approved. It may also affect how traditional Indigenous names are recognized alongside or instead of colonial-era names. The new policy is expected to take effect in 2026.
Key Issues
- What changes should be made to how geographical place names are approved?
- How should community names be officially recognized and updated?
How to Participate
- Review the current Geographical and Community Place Names Policy to understand the proposed changes.
- Send your feedback to culturalplaces@gov.nt.ca by the deadline.